Nature
Outdoor activities / Mountains and other natural environments
Come explore this region brimming with mountains, parks and natural reserves! Whether you travel alone or with your family, plan your activities and embark on an adventure that will take you to the natural wonders of Central Portugal.
Choupal National Forest
Afforested in the early 19th century, it is suitable for various sports and recreational activities.
Mata do Choupal | Coimbra
GPS: 40.217108, -8.439477
T (+351) 239 007 260
Sereia Gardens
This garden was landscaped in the 18th century. It features the Nogueira Fountain with a sculpture of a newt opening the mouth of a dolphin from where the water flows into a shell, and a statue of a mermaid, from which the fountain takes its name.
Praça da República | Coimbra
GPS: 40.209483, -8.419014
Pedra da Ferida Waterfall
To get to this surprising 32 m-drop waterfall in the Azenha Stream, you have to hike across the Espinhal Mountain.
Penela
GPS: 40.013920, -8.339453
Wetlands
Mondego Estuary – Morraceira Island
Morraceira Island consists of extensive areas of salt marshlands, reed beds, salt pans, fish farming and rice fields. A place of great ornithological interest, it has one of the richest communities of waders, more visible during the migration periods, when they can be seen in the estuary at low tide, taking shelter in the saltpans when the tide rises. Among the larger birds, we can see flamingos, small white herons and grey herons. During nesting time, there is less diversity: the black-winged stilt and the Kentish plover.
Figueira da Foz
GPS: 40.135133, -8.827512
Madriz Marsh
Located on the right bank of the Arunca River, Paul de Madriz (Madriz marsh) offers a clear view of the marked contrast in vegetation between the north-facing slope (exposed to the Atlantic influence: species such as the oak tree and the butcher’s broom) and the south-facing slope (Mediterranean influence on the types of flowers, with shrubs predominating).
Soure
GPS: 40.126737, -8.647277
Taipal Marsh
Paul do Taipal (Taipal marsh) is a humid area of international importance: more than 1 % of the significant national population of mallards (Anas platyrynchos) is found here. The marsh is a flyway for passerine birds during the autumn migration, in particular the Eurasian reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), the Sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) and the bluethroat (Luscinia svecic).
Montemor-o-Velho
GPS: 40.174862, -8.682790
The Paul de Arzila Nature Reserve
Paul de Arzila Nature Reserve is located on the left bank of the Mondego River and covers the municipalities of Coimbra, Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho. It consists of a central area with the actual marsh, crossed by 3 ditches, with reeds and a forest in the surrounding area. As for its natural flora heritage, the reed area is covered with cattail (Typha sp.) and lakeshore bulrush (Scirpus lacustris). It is an important nesting ground for the varied bird population. Note the purple heron and the little egret. It is an important flyway for transSaharan migrating birds, in particular passerine birds. Humid area important for warblers, amphibians and otters.
Interpretation Centre
Rua do Bairro, 1 | Arzila | Coimbra
GPS: 40.173772, -8.558460
T (+351) 239 980 500